A south-facing terrace or balcony with a view, a large living room, a superb fitted kitchen and three beautiful bedrooms. All this in a popular area, close to all amenities. The ideal ad? You've finally found it and the visit is scheduled. Follow our advice on how to ask the right questions when visiting a property for the first time.

Rules for a post-confinement property visit

1 - Arrive a little early

Take the time to arrive before the appointment time with the real estate agent or the owners of the property you are interested in. Why should you do this? Simply to stroll around the neighbourhood and examine the house or residence from the outside. The general condition of the facade and roof can be checked at this stage and will allow you to ask all the questions afterwards. Ding! It's time to enter the house

2 - The reasons for the sale

Admittedly, this may seem indiscreet and it is very likely that you will get a ready-made answer, probably far from the real motivations. However, this type of information can sometimes give you a sense of whether or not it is urgent to sell. And inevitably ... this will influence the price if there is to be negotiation. Take the opportunity to ask how long the property has been for sale and whether other buyers are interested.

3 - The house's fittings

Electrical installation, interior fittings, thermal comfort, security ... it is impossible to master all the trades! If you have the slightest doubt about an installation, do not hesitate to ask a professional to accompany you on a second visit. Knowing the names of the companies that carried out the work can also help you.

4 - The exhibition of the pieces

A north-facing living room means little light, whereas an east-west exposure guarantees natural lighting. These questions of orientation are essential, observe and ask!

5 - Focus on the heating system

The objective? To know the costs associated with this equipment. Remember to find out how old the boiler and radiators are. In general, you should not hesitate to ask for the plans of the house or flat, the diagnostics or the energy performance reports are documents that you have the right to consult.

6 - Details that are important to you

You want your washing machine to be connected in the kitchen and you imagine the television in a specific corner of the living room. These examples are intended to show that some details will be important to you for your daily comfort. Take a quick look at the number and location of electrical outlets in the rooms, light switches and water supplies. 

7 - The view is great, but will it always be like this?

Ask your estate agent or ask the local authority about possible new buildings in the next few years. Vital to continue enjoying the landscape! 

8 - The case of a co-ownership

Ask for the amount of the monthly charges and what exactly they include. In the case of large sums, this can be a lever for negotiating on the sale price. A look at the minutes of the last general meeting of co-owners will reveal not only what decisions were voted on, but also what work is planned. If renovations are planned (facade, roof, lift, etc.), find out the amount of the share you will have to pay once you become the owner.

9 - Reschedule a visit

Can you imagine yourself living in the house or flat? This is a good sign, in which case you should reschedule a new visit, but at a different time of day, to see it from a different angle (sound, light).

10 - Or continue your research

Very often, it is by visiting properties that we get a precise idea of what will really suit us or not. This is also an opportunity to think about compromises. To do this, you must continue your research. Don't hesitate to give your comments to the estate agent at the end of the visit in order to refine your criteria, which will enable him to offer you properties that correspond to your aspirations.